Dr. George Cook, St. Andrews 1843 - 1847

Here we see Dr. George Cook of St. Andrews, captured in a photograph by Hill and Adamson in the early days of photography. The tones of the image are sepia; Dr. Cook gazes out with what I read as a stern but melancholic expression. This portrait was made in a time of both scientific innovation and rigid social hierarchy. As a man of the cloth, Dr. Cook would have been a figure of authority and moral guidance, but this image also hints at the weight of such a position. The way he grips the cane suggests dependence, and perhaps vulnerability, challenging the traditional portrayal of men in power. This image subtly brings up questions of class, aging, and the burdens of leadership. It's an intimate, yet formal, look into a life lived under the expectations of society.